The Colt Commando, also known as the M4 Carbine, is a semi-automatic rifle based on the M16A2. It was developed by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in the early 1990s and has become a popular choice among military and law enforcement agencies as well as civilians.
History and Development
The Colt Commando was introduced in the early 1990s as a more compact and maneuverable version of the M16A2. It was designed to meet the needs of special operations forces and other units that required a smaller and lighter rifle. The Colt Commando quickly gained popularity and has since been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Design and Features
The Colt Commando is a gas-operated rifle that utilizes a direct impingement design. It features a shorter 14.5-inch barrel and a telescopic folding stock, making it more compact and lightweight than the standard M16A2. The Colt Commando also incorporates a Picatinny rail system on the top of the receiver, allowing for the attachment of various optics and accessories.
Key features of the Colt Commando include:
- Gas-operated action: The Colt Commando utilizes a gas-operated system with a direct impingement design, similar to the M16A2.
- Rotating bolt: The bolt rotates into locking lugs for secure chambering of the cartridge.
- Compact design: The Colt Commando is a compact and lightweight rifle, making it easy to carry and maneuver in confined spaces.
- Telescopic folding stock: The Colt Commando features a telescopic folding stock that can be collapsed for easier storage and transportation.
- Picatinny rail: The Colt Commando incorporates a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, allowing for the attachment of various optics and accessories.
- Modular design: The Colt Commando is highly modular, with interchangeable parts such as barrels, handguards, and stocks.
Variants and Accessories
The Colt Commando is available in several variants, including:
- Colt Commando: The standard model with a 14.5-inch barrel.
- Colt Commando 6.8: A variant chambered in 6.8mm Remington SPC.
- Colt Commando SBR: A short-barreled rifle (SBR) version with a barrel length of less than 16 inches.
A wide range of accessories is available for the Colt Commando, such as:
- Optics: Scopes, red dot sights, and night vision devices can be mounted on the Colt Commando’s Picatinny rail.
- Handguards: Different handguards can be attached to provide different ergonomic options and attachment points for accessories.
- Stocks: Collapsible and folding stocks are available to adjust the rifle’s length and carrying convenience.
- Triggers: Aftermarket triggers can improve the feel and performance of the Colt Commando’s trigger.
- Muzzle devices: Muzzle brakes, flash hiders, and compensators can help to reduce recoil, flash, and muzzle rise.
Service and Popularity
The Colt Commando has gained popularity among military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is known for its reliability, accuracy, and versatility, making it a suitable choice for a variety of applications, including personal defense, law enforcement, and military operations.
In conclusion, the Colt Commando is a compact and reliable carbine that offers a combination of firepower, maneuverability, and accuracy. Its design, features, and performance have made it a popular choice among military and law enforcement personnel around the world.
